God Alone
Because in Christ I placed my trust,
My feet are placed on earthen dust; Because I took the offered line, New life and breath have become mine. Oh, what is this my mouth has said? What falsehood has flown from my head? I will show you where I erred, And tell you why I thus have fared. It was not because of me That I was raised from Sheol’s sea! For what could I do there but fall And break God’s law, spiting it all? What inherent good had I? Or merit, that I would not die? I was not saved by any deeds! I was not raised for any creeds! The just are saved by faith alone; None can by works make flesh of stone! By faith, through grace, men are renewed; Through grace alone no more pursued. In Christ alone the law makes peace; The avenger is halted, made to cease. Alone by faith through grace in Christ-- For only his work can suffice! But how does God choose who he saves, And who to raise up from their graves? Does he look down the halls of time And choose the best, with all their grime? And those who seem disposed to him, Will he elect for their pious whim? But can sinners lean to good? Men are depraved, and never could! For Isaac’s sons, Jacob and Esau, Though neither had yet broken the law, That God’s purpose might go on, “The older will serve the younger one.” That God might choose impartially, For the chooser, not nominee, “Jacob I love, but Esau I hate, For his heritage jackals wait!” What then of God? Is he unfair? “My name and glory pass through the air! To those I choose I give my grace, And mercy, though I hide my face.” Of what good are those who plan? Or he who runs, if but a man? It all depends on God’s great will, But we take blame, and are guilty still. It is not for good we have or lack, And inclinations, white or black-- For men are born iniquitous; In sin our mothers conceived us. Our hearts excel in all deceit, Backbiting, unknowable, indiscreet-- God does not choose based on souls, Or else all drink God’s vengeful bowls. But God in grace chose who to save, Who to make his son and slave, Who to rescue from their death, Who to fill with life and breath. God chooses unconditionally, Applying grace invincibly, Preserving those who are Christ’s bride That none desert to Satan’s side. Jesus died to save his wife! How could he let her loose her life? He will guide her all the day, And though unseen beside her stay! Jerusalem’s daughters on earth are kept As tightly as those who upward stepped. Apostasy is beyond their reach, For Christ preserves and watches each! What then of those who fall away? Who apostate run, what of they? Beware lest you be one of these That fall beneath the scorching breeze. Lest you be one choked by your cares, With none to pull up earthly tares. What of these perditious sons? Those whom true grace always shuns? They were never saved at all; They never heard God’s saving call. God only saves the fruitful grounds; Good soil alone in fruit abounds! And though a seed sprouts in the rocks, That unsaved plant the true faith mocks. And though a seed falls among thorns, For that plant the true faith mourns. Once God saves we cannot return, Or our calling forever spurn. Though we stumble into sin, To heaven Jesus leads us in. But do not sin lest you be among False converts who cling to their dung. Such filthy men are never saved Who always in transgression raved. Live life well in the evil age, Be angry; fall not into rage. Have sorrow but do not despair For sinners and the Prince of Air. Pray that God would save the lost; Preach the Word, whatever the cost! Defy, deny, the Evil Prince Who fell and corrupts men ever since! Be examples to the earth Of what we are after rebirth. Be not conformed to earthly ways, But follow the Son; reflect his rays. Be a light in this dark place, Bolder than Moses—unveil your face! Be ready to answer for your hope To those who faithless in darkness grope. Obey the Lord who elected you; Bear the yoke you were called unto; Cling to the Son who bought your life, Who strengthens in your spirit’s strife; Follow the Spirit who changed your mind, And comforts in trials of every kind. For God alone can save and keep, And he will all your virtues reap! God Alone; Copyright © 2013 by Caleb |
Scriptural allusions:
Romans 1:17 Romans 9:10 Romans 9:11 Romans 9:11 Romans 9:12 Romans 9:11 Romans 9:11 Romans 9:13; Malachi 1:2-3 Malachi 1:3 Romans 9:14 Exodus 33:19 Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:15 Exodus 33:19-20; Romans 9:15 Romans 9:16 Romans 9:16 Romans 9:16 Romans 9:19 Psalm 51:5 Psalm 51:5 Jeremiah 17:9 Matthew 13:5-6 Matthew 13:7 Psalm 4:4 Romans 12:2 2 Corinthians 3:12-13 1 Peter 3:15 |
"I am not surprised that God did not save all men. I am surprised that God saved some." ~Charles Spurgeon